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Hi my name is Luis Gonzalez, with another What’s Bugging You podcast.
Squirrels are an adorable and seemingly harmless part of the wildlife in Johnson County, Kansas. However, when these creatures decide to make your home their home, they can quickly become a costly nuisance. Squirrel infestations are not only a common problem in suburban areas but can also lead to significant damage to your property, as well as potential health and safety risks. As temperatures drop and squirrels seek shelter for the winter, homeowners in Johnson County may notice signs of squirrel activity, especially in attics and roof spaces. If you’re dealing with squirrels in your home, here’s what you need to know about the damage they cause, the potential costs, and why professional removal is crucial.
Why Squirrels Invade Homes in Johnson County
Squirrels typically invade homes in search of food, shelter, and warmth. In Johnson County, the abundance of oak, hickory, and other hardwood trees provides ample food sources, but these trees also lead to squirrel problems when the animals move closer to homes during colder months. Attics, chimneys, and even walls become prime nesting sites, offering squirrels a safe haven to escape the elements.
Squirrels are excellent climbers, and they can easily gain access to your home through vents, chimneys, gaps in the roof, and other small openings. Once inside, they can cause extensive damage as they attempt to establish a nest.
Common Squirrel-Related Damage to Homes
Squirrels can create havoc in and around your home, with the potential for significant damage. Some of the most common areas of concern include:
- Roof and Attic Damage
Squirrels often gain entry to homes through the roof, chewing through soft materials such as shingles, vents, and even soffits. Once inside the attic, they may chew on electrical wires, insulation, and wooden beams, creating dangerous fire hazards and compromising the structural integrity of the home.
Cost of Damage:
The cost to repair damage caused by squirrels in the attic can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the extent of the damage. For example, repairing or replacing insulation, wiring, and rafters can easily run into the thousands. - Chewing on Electrical Wires
One of the most significant risks posed by squirrels in attics or walls is their tendency to chew on electrical wires. The sharp teeth of squirrels can easily strip wire insulation, creating exposed wires that are highly susceptible to short circuits or even fires. If a fire is caused by squirrel activity, the costs could be catastrophic, including home repairs, insurance claims, and potential injury.
Cost of Damage:
Repairing or replacing electrical wiring due to squirrel damage can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on the complexity of the repair and the location of the damage. - Damage to Ductwork
Squirrels often chew through ducts, both for nesting purposes and simply as part of their instinct to gnaw on objects. Damaged ductwork can lead to air leaks, reduced energy efficiency, and even exposure to contaminated air if squirrels have urinated or defecated in the ducts. This can lead to health issues for residents and costly repairs.
Cost of Damage:
Ductwork repair can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500, depending on the extent of the damage and the accessibility of the ducts. - Structural Damage and Wood Rot
As squirrels create nests and tunnels in attics or walls, they may chew through wood, causing structural damage. Additionally, squirrel urine and feces can lead to wood rot and mold growth, further compromising the integrity of your home.
Cost of Damage:
Structural repairs from wood rot or chewed wood can range from $500 to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the damage. - Damage to Soffits, Vents, and Chimneys
Squirrels may also damage soffits, vents, and chimney caps in their efforts to gain entry to your home. Once inside, they may tear up insulation and create nesting areas. If left unchecked, this damage can lead to leaks, water intrusion, and further structural issues.
Cost of Damage:
Repairing or replacing damaged soffits, vents, or chimney caps can cost between $200 and $1,500, depending on the materials used and the extent of the damage.